One In Ten Americans Use Food Stamps

The report is based on the USDA-provided information, according to which 31.5 Americans in September participated in the food stamp program.

Reuters reports:

The number of people using food stamps in September surpassed the previous peak of 29.85 million seen in November 2005 when victims of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma received emergency benefits, said Jean Daniel of the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service.

September's tally -- the latest month available -- was also boosted by hurricane and flood aid, Daniel said on Wednesday.

But anti-hunger groups said the economic downturn is the main reason behind the higher figures.

"It's a disturbing trend," said Ellen Vollinger, legal director with the Food Research and Action Center. She said she expects more people will turn to food stamps as unemployment figures rise and the economy remains weak.

The economy is having a chain reaction on job cuts and therefore, on poverty as record number of people participate in USDA's food stamp program.